Talent 1 : Weather 0 Dean Station at Castle Rock Bandstand

by Gregory Chmel
Greg@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com

High winds, giant raindrops, and the constant threat of severe weather did not stop recent Colorado transplants Dean Station from providing an excellent June 22nd performance at the Castle Rock Bandstand. Throughout the show, the wind was a constant factor as it howled through the open-air bandstand and into the microphones-even pulling the band's banner down at one point. The sound quality was saved by singer Levi Dean's ingenuity: he put socks over the microphones, allowing himself and his wife and partner Amanda to provide the crowd with Dean Station's unique brand of music - a treat of acoustic guitar and mandolin-based folk music with two- part harmonies straight from the Virginia mountains.

The song selections were very melodic, poetic, and always told a story. Amanda usually gave a little description of the history of each song before performing it, and on a few selections left the guitar to hit the keyboards and smack the spoons! The bands newest member Charlie O'Neal provided the percussive background for Levi and Amanda's melodies. Not over-powering and a perfect fit, Charlie offered an extra punch when needed. As Amanda stated after one song, "Charlie uses so many types of sticks and brushes, he could use a holster!" Those who endured the initial inclement weather were quite pleased with the performance. I believe we will be hearing quite a bit from Dean Station in the coming months!